Motor control for sequential operations



y 9, 1961 F. HAUSER MOTOR CONTROL FOR SEQUENTIAL OPERATIONS Filed Sept. 10, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 A a E 4 5 9 9 a w a 1 i 3% m w H M J o w m g 4 a 7 I. o

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MOTOR CONTROL FOR SEQUENTIAL OPERATIONS Filed Sept. 10, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JD. ML

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FPfD HA U55? United States Patent Ofifice MOTOR CONTROL FOR SEQUENTIAL OPERATIONS Fred Hauser, 1544 Midvale Ave., Los Angeles 24, Calif.

Filed Sept. 10, 1957, Ser. No. 683,147

4 Claims. (Cl. 318-39) This invention relates to timing devices, and specifically to such devices as are used to control and time sprinkling systems of the type used in sprinkling or irrigating lawns, gardens, orchards, golf courses, parks and the like. Such systems generally employ a series of sprinkling valves which control the flow of water from the main or other source of supply, to a plurality of sprinkler heads.

Since the moisture requirements of the various individual parcels or sections of grounds in any one sprinkling installation varies greatly with the nature and variety of the ground coverings planted, the elapsed time during which said sprinkling valves shall remain open must consequently also vary. The types of sprinkler heads employed also vary in discharge characteristics.

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a suitable timing device in which the various individual timing cycle durations may be readily adjusted to any desired value without affecting any other timing durations in the unit.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide means whereby the timing disc may be advanced manually to any desired position without affecting its normal automatic operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide means whereby complete synchronism is maintained at all times between the various timing cycles and the stations with which they are associated.

Various features and advantages of the invention will appear from the detailed description and claims when taken with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary vertical cross section of the timer;

Fig. 2 is a section taken on the plane 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the plane 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the plane 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the plane 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the plane 66 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating how the various electrical components are connected; and

Fig. 8 is a modified form of a timer in which the timing function consists of operating a plurality of electric switches.

On the drawings the numeral 1 represents a bracket mounted to the inside wall 2 of a box or enclosure. Mounted to the bracket 1 is a bearing bushing 3. A shaft 4, journalled in bushing 3, has fastened to its lower end a timing turret 5 and on its upper end a hub 6. Spaced around the periphery of the turret 5 are a plurality of timing dials 7 (see Fig. 2).

Each of the timing dials 7 comprises a conical head 8 and a threaded stem 9, the latter being retained within an internally threaded sleeve 10 and in threaded connection therewith. Sleeve 10 in turn is retained by a set screw 11 in a cylindrical bore 10 in turret 5. By loosen- Patented May 9, 1961 ing set screw 11, the sleeve 10, which is externally cylindrical, can be slid inwardly or outwardly to set it in any selected position of adjustment, in which it can then be secured by set screw 11. By rotating dial 7, its axial position relative to sleeve 10 (and turret 5) can be adjusted. The axial travel of the dial 7 in such adjustment is limited in one direction by contact of the head of the screw 12 with the inner end of sleeve 10 and in the other direction by contact of the right hand face of the dial head 8 with the outer end of sleeve 10. The cylindrical face of the dial head 8 is provided with graduations 13 which represent time, either in seconds, minutes or hours, or a combination thereof. The lower end portion of the timing disc 5 is provided with a slot 14 which engages a radial drive pin 15 on the stem 39 of a distributor valve 16. On the upper end of the turret 5 is mounted a switch actuating ring 17.

Loosely mounted on the hub 6, for relative rotation, are two ring gears 18 and 19, which mesh with pinions 20 and 21 mounted on the driving shafts of an indexing motor 22 and a timing motor 23 respectively (Fig. 6).

The two cylindrical end portions of the hub 6 (on which are rotatably mounted the ring gears 18 and 19) are each provided with a notch 24. Between the notch 24 and the cylindrical internal wall of the respective ring gear there is defined a wedge-shaped pocket in which is retained a cylindrical roller (or a ball) 25, a coil spring 26 being set into the end of each notch and exerting a constant pressure against this roller. The side wall of each notch functions as a cam against which the roller will be wedged in response to clockwise rotation of the ring gear, to constitute a one-way roller clutch. It is apparent that whenever either of the two pinions 20 and 21 rotates its mating gear in clock-wise direction as viewed in Fig. 3, the hub 6, the shaft 4 and the turret 5 must rotate with it, while the other ring gear and its mating pinion, however, may remain stationary.

A shut off switch 27 has a tripping arm 29 which bears against the periphery of the actuating ring 17 and causes this switch to be actuated whenever the notch 28 is opposite the tripping arm 29.

A second switch 30, of the double throw type, is actuated by a knee lever 31, which in turn is operated by any one of the timing dials 7 which at the time is in the path of the contact shoe 32 of said lever 31. A spring (not shown) within the switch 30 urges the lever 31 at all times in counter clockwise direction around its pivot pin 53.

A manually operated over-control switch 33 serves to make automatic operation of the timer inoperative.

While the timer may obviously be used for many varied timing functions it is illustrated in Fig. 1 to time the distributor valve of an automatic lawn sprinkler controller.

The distributor valve 16 embodies a casing comprising an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 35. Sealed in the bottom of the lower portion 35 are a series of tubes, consisting of one pressure tube 36, connected to the water main, and on the other side connected by way of a port 37 to a pressure chamber 38; a bleeder tube 36a open to atmosphere; and a plurality of pressure tubes 36b which are connected to the pressure cylinders of the various hydraulically operated sprinkler valves (not shown). Such valves will be closed when their pressure cylinders are subjected to pressure, and are self opening when the pressure in their cylinders is relieved.

In the upper casing portion 34 of the distributor valve 16 is rotatably mounted a wiper drive shaft 39, on the upper end of which is secured a collar 39a. Collar 39a is secured to the shaft 39 by means of the threaded end of drive pin 15, and in turn secures the pin 15 to the shaft 39. At its lower end, the shaft 39 is provided with an eccentric yoke 39' defining a slot in which is loosely mounted a wiper 44) (see Fig. A pin and slot connection, seen in Figs. 1 and 5, retains the wiper in position. The wiper 40 has in its bottom a radial slot 41 (see Fig. 4). Two coil springs 42, seated in bores in wiper 4t serve to maintain the wiper in firm contact with the top surface of a distributor disc 43.

The pressure tubes 36b are arranged in circular array around the bleeder tube 36a and terminate in passages leading to the ports 44 of the distributor disc 43.

The removable distributor disc 4-3 is firmly held against the body of the lower portion 35 of the distributor valve by means of screws 45 (Fig. 4). A gasket 46 provides a watertight seal.

Fig. 8 represents a modification in which the distributor valve is replaced by a series of electric switches 47 which are actuated by the cam 48, which in turn is rotated by the timing shaft 39.

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram in which the various mechanical and electrical elements are clearly identified.

Numeral 49 represents a conventional time clock provided with switch 50 which may be actuated by pins 51 inserted in its timing disc 52. This disc normally makes 1 revolution per day.

The operation of the device as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive is as follows:

Normally the timing disc 5 is at rest with the OE position (see Fig. 2) opposite the contact shoe 32, and the wiper slot 41 (see Fig. 4-) in a position in which it does not communicate with any of the ports 44.

All tubes 3612 are therefore under pressure and all the sprinkler valves are closed.

Whenever the pin 51 of the time clock 49 actuates the switch 5'19 the indexing motor 22 is energized and through its pinion 215 and ring gear 18 (see Fig. 6) the timing disc 5 is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow in Fig. 2.

Soon after the timing disc has left the OE position the wiper slot 41 (see Fig. 4) intercepts the first of the ports 44, the pressure in the communicating tube 36b is relieved, and the first sprinkler valve opens.

As soon as the conical surface of the first timing dial '7 engages the contact shoe 32 of the lever 31 the transfer switch 3% is actuated, the indexing motor 22 is de-energized, and the timing motor 23 is energized. This motor runs at much slower speed than the indexing motor. Its speed is originally selected to correspond to the graduations 13, of the timing dials 7. Motors of this gear reduction type are available in a great number of output speeds. Depending on the axial position of the timing dial contacted the timing motor 23 will be energized a longer or shorter time.

As soon as the contact point 32 leaves the timing dial, the transfer switch 3% is actuated again, and the indexing motor 2-2 drives the timing disc 5 at indexing speed. Halfway between the first and the second timing dials, the wiper slot 41 leaves the first of the ports 44 and intercepts the second such port. The second sprinkler valve will then open and the above described sequence of events will repeat itself.

As the timing disc 5 approaches the Oti position, the notch 23 intercepts the tripping arm 29 of the switch 27 and stops the indexing motor. From the study of the circuit diagram, Fig. 7, it is apparent that this can only happen if the switch 563 in the time clock 49 had previously opened. Additional pins inserted into the timing disc 52 permit repeat operation.

Whenever the manual switch 33 is set to the OE position the timing disc 5 remains stationary until said switch is turned On again. Whether the timing disc 5 is being driven or is at rest the latter may always be advanced manually to any position without loss of synchronism.

The elapsed time interval between the various stations may readily be adjusted simply by rotating the timing dials 7 to the desired elapsed time. In connection with the i graduations 13 there shall also be a Zero line (not shown).

Should it be desirable to replace the hydraulically operated valves by directly or indirectly operated solenoid valve, then the distributor valve 16 would be replaced by a series of switches as shown in Fig. 8.

While the timer is illustrated to be used to time the sprinkling operations of an automatic sprinkling system it may be used in a great many timing operations.

With specific reference to the terminology used in the claims, it may be noted that the invention provides a timer for adjustably controlling the duration of a series of sequential operations (e.g. the operations of a number of lawn sprinklers each having a pressure opened, self closing valve of conventional construction). The timer embodies the revolvable timing turret 5 carrying thereon a series of timing actuators (the dial units 7, 8) each adapted to assume various actuator positions of radial extension with reference to the center of the turret as the result of adjustment of its respective threaded connections 9, it? with the turret. The timer further includes follower means (lever 31 with its contact shoe 32) positioned to be engaged successively by the several actuators 7, 8, in a series of successive stages of operation control (the successive opening of the sprinkler valves) as the turret revolves. The engagement of the follower lever 31 by an actuator 7, 8, causes the lever 31 to be shifted into an operation controlling position in which a corresponding sprinkler valve is opened, and to be maintained in that position for a duration (of the corresponding sprinkling operation) determined by the position of adjustment of the respective actuator 7, 8. The timer further includes intermittent drive mechanism (motors 22, 23, gears 18, 19, overrunning clutch connections 24, 2.5 and the turret drive shaft 4) for delivering relatively slow and fast drive to the turret. The timer further includes the control means (double throw switch Sil) controlled by the follower lever 31 when the latter is in its operation controlling position (as tilted outwardly by engagement of an actuator 7, 8) for effecting the relatively slow drive from the slow drive motor for the duration determined for the operation being controlled (by adjustment of the particular actuator device 7, 8) the control switch 30 being alternatively operative (through its self reversing means) when the follower lever 31 is disengaged from actuator 7, 8, to efiect the relatively fast drive for indexing the turret from one operation controlling position to the next so as to proceed as rapidly as possible to a succeeding stage of operation control. Finally, the timer includes ultimate control means (the distributor valves 16) actuated in timed relation to the turret, for directly efiecting the control of the sequential (sprinkling) operations.

Iclaim:

1. In a timer for adjustably controlling the durations of a series of sequential operations, in combination: a revolvable timing turret; a series of timing actuators each adjustably mounted on the periphery of said turret and each assuming various actuator positions as the result of adjustment thereof; follower means positioned to be engaged successively by the several actuators in a series of successive stages of operation control as the turret revolves, and arranged to be shifted by each such engagement into an operation-controlling position and to be maintained in that position for a duration determined by the position of adjustment of the respective actuator; intermittent drive mechanism including means for delivering relatively slow drive to said turret and means for delivering relatively fast drive to said turret; and control means controlled by said follower means when in said operation-controlling position for effecting said relatively slow drive for the duration determined for the operation being controlled, said control means being operative when said follower is disengaged from said actuator to ellect said relatively fast drive for indexing said turret to present a succeeding actuator to said follower means for a accuser succeeding stage of operation control; and ultimate control means actuated in timed relation to said turret for directly efiecting the control of the said sequential operations; said intermittent drive means comprising a shaft ecured to and extending upwardly from said turret, a hub secured on said shaft, a pair of ring gears rotatably mounted on said hub, overrunning clutch means interposed between said hub and the respective ring gears, for transmitting one-way drives from the respective ring gears to said hub, a pair of motors, and gearing connections between the respective motors and ring gears.

2. In a timer for adjustably controlling the durations of a series of sequential operations, in combination: a revolvable timing turret; a series of timing actuators each adjustably mounted on the periphery of said turret and each assuming various actuator positions as the result of adjustment thereof; follower means positioned to be engaged successively by the several actuators in a series of successive stages of operation control as the turret revolves, and arranged to be shifted by each such engagement into an operation-controlling position and to be maintained in that position for a duration determined by the position of adjustment of the respective actuator; intermittent drive mechanism including means for delivering relatively slow drive to said turret and means for delivering relatively fast drive to said turret; and control means controlled by said follower means when in said operation controlling position for effecting said relatively slow drive for the duration determined for the operation being controlled, said control means being operative when said follower is disengaged from said actuator to effect said relatively fast drive for indexing said turret to present a succeeding actuator to said follower means for a succeeding stage of operation control; and ultimate control means actuated in timed relation to said turret for directly effecting the control of the said sequential operations; said intermittent drive means comprising a shaft secured to and extending upwardly from said turret, a hub secured on said shaft, a pair of ring gears rotatably mounted on said hub, overrunning clutch means interposed between said hub and the respective ring gears, for transmitting one-way drives from the respective ring gears to said hub, a pair of motors, and gear-connections between the respective motors and ring gears; and wherein said follower-controlled control means comprises a twoposition switch actuated by said follower means in accordance with the movement of said turret, said switch in one position efliecting energization of one of said motors and in its other position effecting energization of the other motor.

3. In a timer for adjustably controlling the durations of a series of sequential operations, in combination: a casing; a revolvable timing turret therein; a series of timing actuator dials each having threaded means by which it is mounted in the periphery of said turret for rotatable adjustment, each having a conical actuator cam assuming various actuator positions as the result of such rotatable adjustment, and each having a rim provided with indicia cooperating with an indicator device on said turret for indicating its actuator position; a lever fulcrumed on said casing and having follower means positioned to be engaged successively by the several timing dials, in each of a series of successive stages of operation control as the turret revolves and arranged to be shifted by such engagement into an operation-controlling position and to be maintained in that position for a duration determined by the position of adjustment of the respective dial; intermittent drive mechanism including an electric motor for delivering relatively slow drive and an electric motor for delivering relatively fast drive; overrunning clutch means for transmitting drives from the respective motors to said turret; a double-throw control switch actuated by said follower means when in said operation controlling position for energizing said relatively slow drive motor for the duration determined for the operation being controlled, said control switch being operative when said follower is disengaged from said actuator part to energize said relatively fast drive motor for indexing said turret to present a succeeding actuator timing dial to said follower means for a succeeding stage of operation control; and rotatable control means driven through said turret for directly effecting the control of the said sequential operations.

In a timer for timing a sequence of operations of extended duration and for rapidly indexing from one operation to the next operation in the sequence, in combination: a turret rotatable sequentially to a series of control positions; a series of timing actuators mounted upon the periphery of said turret and each having a respective actuator position determining the duration of a respective period of operation; follower means positioned to be engaged successively by the several actuators in a series of successive stages of operation control as the turret revolves, and arranged to be shifted by each such engagement into an operation-controlling position and to be maintained in that position for a period having an extended duration determined by its respective actuator position; intermittent drive mechanism including a pair of overrunning clutches arranged for delivering respective fast and slow drives to said turret, and a pair of motors each driving a respective overrunning clutch; and control means controlled by said follower means when in said operation controlling position for effecting said relatively slow drive for determining the duration of a respective period of operation, said control means being operative when said follower is disengaged from an actuator, to initiate and maintain said relatively fast drive for indexing said turret rapidly from the control position for an operation just concluded to the next control position in sequence, whereby to present a succeeding actuator to said follower means for a succeeding stage of operation control; and ultimate control means actuated by said actuators in each of these successive stages of operation control, for directly effecting the control of the several operations of said sequence during the periods of slow drive; each of said dials including a threaded stem and an internally threaded sleeve in which said stem is mounted for axial adjustment by rotation thereof, said turret having a series of radial bores in which the respective sleeves are mounted for radial adjustments with reference to the center of the turret, and means for locking said sleeves in selected positions of adjustment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,581,145 Wasselli Apr. 20, 1926 1,926,190 Borden Sept. 12, 1933 2,212,868 Strong Aug. 27, 1940 2,272,237 Brown et a1. Feb. 10, 1942 2,389,629 Miller Nov. 27, 1945 2,421,481 Collins June 3, 1947 2,875,428 Griswold Feb. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 279,763 Great Britain Sept. 24, 1928 

